In a public notice released June 14, 2017, the Federal Communications Commission outlined options for low-power television and translator stations that will likely be displaced by the testing or operations of the new wireless lisensees on the 600Mhz band, channels 38-51.

“Given the ongoing licensing in the 600 MHz band for wireless operations, and the possibility that LPTV/translator stations may need to terminate service on channels 38 through 51 prior to the Special Displacement Window, this notice sets forth two mechanisms these stations can avail themselves of to stay on the air. First, until the Special Displacement Window opens, an LPTV/translator station that receives the 120-day notice described above may operate on a temporary channel. Specifically, it may submit a displacement application together with a request for waiver of the Displacement Freeze and request Special Temporary Authority (STA) to operate on a temporary channel…” (paragraph 4).

The temporary channel available to the LPTV/translator stations to operate on must not cause interference and be found in the broadcast spectrum, somewhere between channels 2 and 36, which leaves option two as a more likely outcome.

“Displaced LPTV/translator stations may also use the following channel sharing tools to continue to provide service to viewers in areas where channel availability is limited. We clarify that two or more eligible LPTV/translator stations may each request a waiver of the Displacement Freeze and submit a displacement application that proposes to share a channel with the other eligible LPTV/translator station(s)” (paragraph 8).

Both options, if granted, will be allowed to run on the temporary channel until the final results of the displacement window. Unfortunately, if the application is not granted, the LPTV/translator station will have to cease operations.

It’s a small comfort to those who will be affected, especially as the document suggests that the Special Displacement Window will not be open until early 2018.

More information, including the document in its entirety, can be found by clicking here.

Dear Fellow LPTV Broadcaster and Industry Leaders,

The auction has ended and most of us are still here. While it was not only our hope but the hope of many others that the auction would not take place . . . it did, but it did not have the devastating effect that it might have had.

The world after the auction looks different and amazingly so has a very bright future!

What does that future look like? Not only the amazing possibilities of ATSC 3.0 but the landscape of a nation of people who are increasingly cutting their cable cords and looking for free, over the air, broadcasting content.

That’s why it’s more important than ever that you join the Advanced Television Broadcast Alliance. Our board of directors have a combined 500+ years of experience which beginning with your membership we are going to start making more available to our members on an increasing basis.

Soon as an ATBA member, you will be eligible to start tapping into not only this brain trust through unique services available only to our members but regular news updates regarding our collective broadcast future. We are exploring new ways to tap into information from Washington as well as important updates that will benefit you right there where you live.

The need for the ATBA has increased with the new opportunities that are becoming available for those of us who still know that the future of LPTV, Class A and Translators is bright! Are you selling your station to local sponsors? Are you maximizing your spectrum to the advantage that you truly can? Are you struggling with FCC rules and regulations that you either don’t understand or can’t get explained?

The ATBA is developing a database of information to help you find the answers you need!

In addition we are still working with the true decision makers in Washington. Your ATBA has earned the respect and the ear of the true movers and shakers that continue to shape our collective broadcasting future.

So what can you do to get involved and begin to take advantage of these, and many other, benefits? Join the ATBA today! Your membership benefits will include:

Members only access to hundreds of years of LPTV experience through our new “Brain Trust”

Early entry to our annual NAB LPTV evening event with access to our special event guest(s)

Eligibility for recognition for your hard work through our ATBA LPTV Awards

Access to equipment manufacturers with discounts available especially for ATBA members!

To be honest you can’t afford not to be a member of the ATBA!

We’re making it affordable because it’s a win – win! When you join, you’re going to receive more than just the benefits listed above but also you’ll be aligning with hundreds of others who, like yourself, have a vested interest in the continued forward movement of free, over-the-air broadcasting. It’s a win for your ATBA because we will increase our strength through numbers as we grow together.

So what’s the next step? If you’re ready follow this link http://www.broadcastingalliance.org/join-us/ to sign up. If you have more questions please don’t hesitate to call a member of the ATBA board of directors by calling this number (877) 214-4277. You’ll get a rapid response!

Thanks for taking the time to read this note and for your ongoing passion for the future of communication in this great country.